Richard Christian Matheson
Richard Christian Matheson has written more than 300 television episodes for shows ranging from
The A-Team, The Rockford Files and Magnum P.I. to Hunter,
Amazing Stories and Simon and Simon. He has worked as producer, story editor and series
creator. His feature films include Three O'Clock High, It Takes Two and Loose Cannons. The first
collection of his short fiction, Scars and Other Distinguishing Marks was published in 1987.
His first novel was Created By.

On editing, he says:
"When I edit, for me, less is still too much."

On learning from his father, Richard Matheson:
"My father always taught me that good writing makes the reader do half the
work."

Almost every author writes short stories, and many write superb stories.
In terms of the short-shorts, there is one man whose work defines the category. Just ask Jack Ketchum, F. Paul Wilson,
Poppy Z. Brite, or Stephen King -- a few of the luminaries who contribute insightful and engaging commentary on the
stories and the author. No one matches Richard Christian Matheson in the art of the truly short story.

Maybe it's the brutal economy with which he chooses and uses words, as if they cost thousands apiece. Throughout this
collection, there is not an unnecessary word to be found. Pick the stories apart. You won't find a better way to say
what Matheson has already said. And you won't find a better spokesman for him than Dystopia.

Are you hooked on Matheson's horror stories, perhaps with an erotic element? If you go with the deluxe edition
(breathtakingly illustrated by Harry O. Morris), you will get a special view into the jaw-dropping "Arousal." A short
film of the story on videotape is included (as is an audio CD with Matheson reading six of the short stories, read by
the author and the group The Existers performing some dark, disturbing music that suits the collection perfectly.) Take
my advice and read the story before you watch the video; it will provide a background that is glossed over in the film.

One of the most troubling selections in Dystopia is the dark realism of "Red." Aren't the most frightening
tales ones that are all too possible? "Red" starts off with a icy dread that increases with each carefully chosen
word. The climax is as chilling as it is inevitable -- not consciously inevitable, but far back in the depths of the subconscious.
It is even more chilling when heard in Matheson's deep, reassuring voice on the CD. If you ever forget this story, you're
one of the very few who do.

Honestly, every piece in this collection is a masterpiece of short, stunning storytelling. Trying to choose a
favourite is next to impossible -- but not impossible. After you've read the creepy, the shocking, the terrifying,
there is one story I would like you to pay particular attention to: "Who's You In America."

If you are skipping around through the book, read several stories before you read this extraordinary short. There is
always an amazing insight into the human mind and heart in Matheson's work; this story allows you to see the open,
vulnerable heart of the author more clearly. The knowledge of the grief, loneliness, and incompleteness in all of us
is wrapped up in this exquisite piece.

Read it, see the sad truth in it, and wonder how Matheson knows you so well. Perhaps I am the only one who
wept while reading "Who's You In America," but I'll bet there are many more who felt the same connection, however
they reacted. How did he know? And how brave he is to acknowledge the yearning. If I had never read another word
by Matheson, this one story would make me a fan for life and would make me feel a kinship, though we may never meet.

Make a gift to yourself of this unparalleled collection. It is Matheson's gift to us.

In between reviews and interviews, Lisa DuMond writes science fiction and humour. DARKERS, her latest novel,
will be published in early 2000 by Hard Shell Word Factory. She has also written for BOOKPAGE and
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. Her articles and short stories are all over the map. You can check out Lisa and her
work at her website hikeeba!.